Assembly having a skid plate module

ABSTRACT

A skid plate module for a vehicle. The skid plate module may include first and second pillars that may extend from a skid plate. The first and second pillars may be disposed along a center plane of the skid plate and may be adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. A lower control arm, a mounting bracket subassembly, or both may be mounted to the first and second pillars.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an assembly for a vehicle having a skid platemodule.

BACKGROUND

A suspension module is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.2017/0320365.

SUMMARY

In at least one embodiment an assembly is provided. The assembly mayinclude a skid plate module and first and second lower control arms. Theskid plate module may include a skid plate and first and second pillars.The first and second pillars may extend from the skid plate and may beadapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. The first and secondpillars may be disposed along a center plane of the skid plate. Thefirst and second lower control arms may be mounted to the first andsecond pillars, respectively.

In at least one embodiment an assembly is provided. The assembly mayhave a skid plate module that includes a skid plate, first and secondpillars, and first and second mounting bracket subassemblies. The firstand second pillars may extend from the skid plate and may be adapted tobe mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. The first and second pillars maybe disposed along a center plane of the skid plate. The first and secondmounting bracket subassemblies may be mounted to the first and secondpillars, respectively. The first and second mounting bracketsubassemblies may mount a motor to the skid plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle that has anassembly that includes a skid plate module and a suspension system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly that includes the skidplate module and the suspension system of FIG. 1 but omits a chassis anddrivetrain components for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a portion of the suspensionsystem.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portion of the suspension system shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the portion of the suspension system shown inFIG. 6 omitting a wheel end assembly and an axle shaft.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a portion of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the skid plate module and mountingbracket subassemblies.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view that shows a portion of the skid platemodule and components associated with mounting lower control arms to theskid plate module.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view that shows first and second mountingbracket subassemblies.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the first mounting bracket subassembly.

FIG. 13 is a section view along section line 13-13.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the second mounting bracket subassembly.

FIG. 15 is a section view along section line 15-15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portion of a vehicle 10 is shown. The vehicle 10may be a motor vehicle like a truck, bus, farm equipment, militarytransport or weaponry vehicle, or cargo loading equipment for land, air,or marine vessels. The vehicle 10 may include a chassis 20, a skid platemodule 22, a suspension system 24, a wheel end assembly 26, a brakesubsystem 28, a stabilizer bar subassembly 30, and a toe link 32.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the chassis 20 may be the structuralframework of the vehicle 10. In at least one configuration, the chassis20 may include frame rails that may extend between the front and rear ofthe vehicle 10 and components such as cross rails that may interconnectthe frame rails. The chassis 20 may also facilitate mounting of thesuspension system 24 to the vehicle 10. The chassis 20 may not includebody panels of the vehicle 10, such as doors, fenders, hood, roof panel,or the like. The chassis 20 is shown in phantom in FIGS. 1 and 3 toallow other features of the vehicle 10 to be better illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the skid plate module 22 may be configuredto be mounted to the chassis 20. For example, the skid plate module 22may be located underneath the chassis 20 and may be fixedly disposed onor fixedly mounted to the chassis 20. As such, the skid plate module 22may extend along or may at least partially define the underside of thevehicle 10. In addition, the skid plate module 22 may facilitatemounting of the suspension system 24 or a portion thereof as will bediscussed in more detail below. The skid plate module 22 may be a loadcarrying assembly that may help stiffen the chassis 20 and may helpprovide the structural framework of the vehicle 10. In at least oneconfiguration, the skid plate module 22 may include skid plate 40, andone or more pillars 42.

The skid plate 40 may be disposed at the bottom of the skid plate module22. In addition, the skid plate 40 may be spaced apart from the chassis20. The skid plate 40 may help protect various components of the vehicle10 from damage. For instance, the skid plate 40 may help protect one ormore components of a vehicle drivetrain from damage, such as may becaused by “grounding out” or hitting an object under the vehicle 10,such as rocks, curbs, the road surface, or the like. A drivetraincomponent 50 may be associated with propulsion of the vehicle 10. Forexample, a drivetrain component 50 may be a power source like a battery,engine, motor (including but not limited to an electric motor) or may bea torque transmission component like a transmission, gearbox, transfercase, axle assembly, differential, or the like. The skid plate 40 may bemade of any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy. In atleast one configuration, the skid plate 40 may be substantially flat orplanar and may include a first end 60 and a second end 62.

The first end 60 of the skid plate 40 may be positioned closest to thefront of the vehicle 10.

The second end 62 of the skid plate 40 may be disposed opposite thefirst end 60. As such, the second end 62 of the skid plate 40 may bepositioned closest to the rear of the vehicle 10.

Referring to FIG. 9, a center plane 64 may extend from the first end 60to the second end 62. The center plane 64 may extend vertically and maybe disposed substantially perpendicular to the skid plate 40. Inaddition, the center plane 64 may be disposed along a center axis of thevehicle 10. The center plane 64 may be disposed proximate the center ofthe skid plate module 22. For instance, the center plane 64 may bisectthe skid plate 40 or one or more pillars 42 such that the skid plate 40or one or more pillars 42 may have mirror symmetry with respect to thecenter plane 64.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, one or more pillars 42 may extend fromthe skid plate 40 to the chassis 20. As such, a pillar 42 may extend ina generally vertical direction from the skid plate 40 to the chassis 20.In the configuration shown, three pillars 42 are provided; however, itis contemplated that a greater or lesser number of pillars 42 may beprovided. For convenience in reference, the three pillars may bereferred to as a first pillar, a second pillar, and a third pillar. Thefirst pillar may be disposed at or closest to the first end 60 of theskid plate 40. The second pillar may be disposed rearward of the firstpillar along the center plane 64 and may be located between the firstpillar and the third pillar. The third pillar may be disposed at orclosest to the second end 62 of the skid plate 40. The pillars 42 may bespaced apart from each other and may be arranged along the center plane64. In at least one configuration, a pillar 42 may include a mountingplate 70, one or more mounting sleeves 72, one or more recesses 74, andone or more tubes 76.

A mounting plate 70 may facilitate mounting of a pillar 42 to thechassis 20. For example, a mounting plate 70 may be disposed at anopposite end of a pillar 42 from the skid plate 40 and may be coupled tothe chassis 20 in any suitable manner. For instance, the mounting plate70 may be welded to the chassis 20 or may have a plurality of holes thatmay receive fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or the like, that mayattach the mounting plate 70 to the chassis 20.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a mounting sleeve 72 may be provided with apillar 42 to facilitate mounting of a lower control arm as will bediscussed in more detail below. In at least one configuration, amounting sleeve 72 may be configured as a hollow cylindrical tube thatmay have a threaded hole that may be configured to receive a fastener80, such as bolt, that may couple a lower control arm to the mountingsleeve 72. The mounting sleeve 72 may be fixedly disposed on a pillar 42or fixedly positioned with respect to a pillar 42.

A mounting sleeve 72 may extend through a pillar 42, such as from afirst lateral side 90 of a pillar 42 to a second lateral side 92 of thepillar 42. The first lateral side 90 and the second lateral side 92 maydefine opposing sides of the pillar 42 and may be disposed on oppositesides of the center plane 64. For instance, the first lateral side 90may face toward the left side of the vehicle 10 when viewed from aposition in front of the vehicle 10 while the second lateral side 92 mayface toward the right side of the vehicle 10 when viewed from a positionin front of the vehicle 10. The center plane 64 may intersect and maybisect a mounting sleeve 72 that extends from a first lateral side 90 toa second lateral side 92.

One or more mounting sleeves 72 may be provided with a pillar 42. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 9, a pair of mounting sleeves 72 is providedwith the first pillar and the third pillar while four mounting sleevesare provided with the second pillar, however, it is contemplated that agreater or lesser number of mounting sleeves 72 may be provided. Forinstance, it is contemplated that separate spaced apart mounting sleevesmay be provided with the first lateral side 90 and the second lateralside 92 of a pillar 42 rather than providing mounting sleeves 72 thatextend from the first lateral side 90 to the second lateral side 92.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, one or more recesses 74 may be providedwith a pillar 42 to facilitate pivotal movement of a lower control arm254. For example, a recess 74 may be configured to partially receive atleast one lower control arm 254 and may be sized to facilitate rotationor pivoting of the lower control arm 254 about an axis. In at least oneconfiguration, a recess 74 may extend upward from the skid plate 40 andoptionally may be partially defined by or bounded by the skid plate 40.In addition, a recess 74 may be positioned in a longitudinal directionor in a direction that extends along the center plane 64 between a pairof mounting sleeves 72. For instance, each recess 74 may belongitudinally centered between a pair of mounting sleeves 72 that maybe disposed on opposite sides of the recess 74.

A recess 74 may be provided in various configurations. For instance, arecess 74 may be configured as a through hole that may extend from thefirst lateral side 90 to the second lateral side 92 of a pillar 42.Examples of recesses 74 having a through hole configuration is shownwith the first pillar and with the recess located directly under themounting plate 70 of the second pillar. In such a configuration, therecess 74 may partially receive two lower control arms, such as a firstlower control arm 254 that that may be disposed proximate the firstlateral side 90 and a second lower control arm 254 that may be disposedproximate the second lateral side 92.

Alternatively, a recess 74 may not be configured as a through hole butinstead may extend from a lateral side to an intervening feature ormember, such as a web 94. Examples of recesses 74 that are partiallydefined by a web 94 are shown with the second pillar (to the left of itsmounting plate 70) and with the third pillar, which is shown in FIG. 9.A web 94 may extend upward and away from the skid plate 40 and mayeffectively separate a through hole recess into separate opposingrecesses. As such, a recess 74 may extend from the first lateral side 90of a pillar 42 to the web 94 while an opposing recess 74 may extend fromthe second lateral side 92 to the web 94. In addition, the web 94 may bedisposed along the center plane 64. In such configurations, each recess74 may partially receive different lower control arms 254.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, a tube 76 may be provided with a pillar 42to facilitate mounting of a mounting bracket assembly as will bediscussed in more detail below. In at least one configuration, a tube 76may be configured as a hollow cylindrical tube that may be configured toreceive a mounting bracket assembly that may couple a drivetraincomponent 50 to the skid plate module 22. A tube 76 may extend at leastpartially through a pillar 42 and may be fixedly mounted on a pillar 42or fixedly positioned with respect to a pillar 42. As is best shown inFIG. 10, a tube 76 may be positioned above the skid plate 40 and may belocated further from or further above the skid plate 40 than themounting sleeves 72. As such, a tube 76 may be located above a pivotaxis of a lower control arm 254 as will be discussed in more detailbelow.

One or more tubes 76 may be provided with a pillar 42. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 10, one tube 76 is provided with the firstpillar and the third pillar while two tubes 76 are provided with thesecond pillar; however, it is contemplated that a greater or lessernumber of tubes 76 may be provided. For instance, it is contemplatedthat a single tube 76 may be provided with the second pillar in aconfiguration where the third pillar may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, the tube 76 may include a first tube endsurface 100, a second tube end surface 102, a tube hole 104, an innertube surface 106, and an outer tube surface 108.

The first tube end surface 100 may be disposed proximate the firstlateral side 90 of a pillar 42. Optionally, the first tube end surface100 may protrude from the first lateral side 90.

The second tube end surface 102 may be disposed opposite the first tubeend surface 100. As such, the second tube end surface 102 may bedisposed proximate the second lateral side 92 of the pillar 42.Optionally, the second tube end surface 102 may protrude from the secondlateral side 92.

The tube hole 104, which is best shown in FIG. 10, may extend from thefirst tube end surface 100 to the second tube end surface 102. The tubehole 104 may be substantially cylindrical.

The inner tube surface 106, which is best shown in FIG. 13, may extendfrom the first tube end surface 100 to the second tube end surface 102.The inner tube surface 106 may define the tube hole 104.

The outer tube surface 108 may extend from the first tube end surface100 to the second tube end surface 102. In addition, the outer tubesurface 108 may be disposed opposite and may face away from the tubehole 104 and the inner tube surface 106. The outer tube surface 108 mayengage the pillar 42 and may be fixedly coupled to the pillar 42.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, one or more mounting bracket subassemblies110, 110′ may be provided to mount a drivetrain component 50 to thechassis 20, the skid plate module 22, or both. In the configurationshown, four mounting bracket subassemblies are associated with eachdrivetrain component 50; however, it is contemplated that a greater orlesser number of mounting bracket subassemblies 110, 110′ may beprovided.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 9 and 11, the mounting bracket subassemblies 110,110′ may be provided with a common configuration or with multipleconfigurations. In these Figures, two different mounting bracketsubassembly configurations are shown and are designated with referencenumbers 110 and 110′, respectively. Either mounting bracket subassembly110, 110′ may be used to couple a drivetrain component 50 to the chassis20 or to the skid plate module 22 depending on the configuration of thedrivetrain component 50. As one nonlimiting example which is best shownwith reference to FIGS. 3 and 9, two mounting bracket subassemblies 110may couple the drivetrain component 50 to the chassis 20, one mountingbracket subassembly 110 may couple the drivetrain component 50 to apillar 42, and one mounting bracket subassembly 110′ may couple thedrivetrain component 50 to another pillar 42. For convenience inreference, the mounting bracket subassembly 110 may also be referred toas a first mounting bracket subassembly to help distinguish frommounting bracket subassembly 110′.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the mounting bracket subassembly 110 is shownin more detail. The mounting bracket subassembly 110 may include a rod120, a first sleeve 122, a first bushing 124, a first mounting plate126, a first nut 128, and one or more fasteners 130. The mountingbracket subassembly 110 may also include a second sleeve 132, a secondbushing 134, a second mounting plate 136, and a second nut 138.Optionally, the mounting bracket subassembly 110 may include one or morespacers, such as a first spacer 140 and a second spacer 142.

Referring primarily to FIG. 13, the rod 120 may be at least partiallydisposed in the tube 76 of a pillar 42. For example, the rod 120 mayextend along a rod axis 150 and main extend completely through the tube76 such that the ends of the rod 120 protrude from the tube 76.Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the rod 120 may include a first threadedportion 160 and a second threaded portion 162. The first threadedportion 160 may extend from a first end of the rod 120. The secondthreaded portion 162 may extend from a second end of the rod 120 thatmay be disposed opposite the first end. The rod 120 may be substantiallycylindrical between the first end and the second end.

The first sleeve 122 may receive the rod 120. The first sleeve 122 maybe made of a stiffer or less flexible material than the first bushing124, such as a metal or metal alloy. In at least one configuration, thefirst sleeve 122 may include a sleeve body 170, a sleeve flange 172, anda sleeve hole 174.

The sleeve body 170 may have a hollow tubular or cylindricalconfiguration in one or more embodiments. The sleeve body 170 may extendaround the rod 120 and may be at least partially disposed in the tube76. In at least one configuration, the sleeve body 170 may have an innersleeve body surface 180, an outer sleeve body surface 182, and a sleeveend surface 184.

The inner sleeve body surface 180 may extend from the sleeve flange 172to the sleeve end surface 184. The inner sleeve body surface 180 mayface toward and may engage the rod 120.

The outer sleeve body surface 182 may extend from the sleeve flange 172to the sleeve end surface 184. The outer sleeve body surface 182 may bedisposed opposite the inner sleeve body surface 180 and may face awayfrom the rod 120.

The sleeve end surface 184 may be disposed at an end of the sleeve body170 that may be disposed opposite the sleeve flange 172. The sleeve endsurface 184 may extend from the inner sleeve body surface 180 to theouter sleeve body surface 182.

The sleeve flange 172 may extend from an end of the sleeve body 170. Forexample, the sleeve flange 172 may extend from an end of the sleeve body170 that may be disposed opposite the sleeve end surface 184 and mayextend away from the rod axis 150. The sleeve flange 172 may be disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the rod axis 150, the inner sleeve bodysurface 180, the outer sleeve body surface 182, or combinations thereof.In addition, the sleeve flange 172 may be disposed outside the tube 76.

The sleeve hole 174 may be defined by the sleeve body 170 and the sleeveflange 172. For example, the sleeve hole 174 may be at least partiallydefined by the inner sleeve body surface 180. The rod 120 may extendthrough the sleeve hole 174.

The first bushing 124 may receive the first sleeve 122. The firstbushing 124 may be made of a more resilient or more compressiblematerial than the first sleeve 122. For instance, the first bushing 124may be made of rubber or a similar material. In at least oneconfiguration, the first bushing 124 may include a bushing body 190, abushing flange 192, and a bushing hole 194.

The bushing body 190 may have a hollow tubular or cylindricalconfiguration in one or more embodiments. The bushing body 190 mayextend around the sleeve body 170 and may be completely disposed in thetube 76. In at least one configuration, the bushing body 190 may have aninner bushing body surface 200, an outer bushing body surface 202, and abushing end surface 204.

The inner bushing body surface 200 may extend from the bushing flange192 to the bushing end surface 204. The inner bushing body surface 200may face toward and may engage the outer sleeve body surface 182.

The outer bushing body surface 202 may extend from the bushing flange192 to the bushing end surface 204. The outer bushing body surface 202may be disposed opposite the inner bushing body surface 200 and may facetoward and may engage the inner tube surface 106 of the tube 76.

The bushing end surface 204 may be disposed at an end of the bushingbody 190 that may be disposed opposite the bushing flange 192. Thebushing end surface 204 may extend from the inner bushing body surface200 to the outer bushing body surface 202.

The bushing flange 192 may extend from an end of the bushing body 190.For example, the bushing flange 192 may extend from an end of thebushing body 190 that may be disposed opposite the bushing end surface204 and may extend away from the rod 120 and the rod axis 150. Thebushing flange 192 may extend substantially perpendicular to the rodaxis 150, the inner bushing body surface 200, the outer bushing bodysurface 202, or combinations thereof. In addition, the bushing flange192 may be disposed outside the tube 76 and may be axially positioned orpositioned along the rod axis 150 between the first tube end surface 100and the sleeve flange 172. Moreover, the bushing flange 192 may engageor contact the first tube end surface 100 and the sleeve flange 172.

The bushing hole 194 may be defined by the bushing body 190 and thebushing flange 192. For example, the bushing hole 194 may be at leastpartially defined by the inner bushing body surface 200. The sleeve body170 may extend at least partially through the bushing hole 194.

The first mounting plate 126 may extend from the rod 120 and may beoperatively connected to the drivetrain component 50. The first mountingplate 126 may be axially positioned between the first nut 128 and thefirst sleeve 122. Moreover, the first mounting plate 126 may be axiallypositioned between the first nut 128 and the first spacer 140, ifprovided. In at least one configuration, the first mounting plate 126may include a rod hole 210 and one or more fastener holes 212. The rod120 may extend through the rod hole 210. A fastener 130 may extendthrough the fastener hole 212. In the configuration shown, two fastenerholes 212 are provided.

The first nut 128 may help secure components of the mounting bracketsubassembly 110. The first nut 128 may engage a side of the firstmounting plate 126 that may face away from the tube 76. The first nut128 may have a threaded hole that may receive and mate with the firstthreaded portion 160 of the rod 120. The first bushing 124 may beaxially compressed against the first tube end surface 100 of the tube 76when the first nut 128 is tightened. More specifically, tightening thefirst nut 128 may exert pressure on the first mounting plate 126, thefirst spacer 140 if provided, the first sleeve 122, and the firstbushing 124. This pressure may be resisted by the tube 76, which isfixed to the skid plate module 22.

One or more fasteners 130 may be provided to attach the first mountingplate 126 to the drivetrain component 50. A fastener 130 may be receivedin a fastener hole 212 of the first mounting plate 126 and may extend tothe drivetrain component 50. The fasteners 130 may have any suitableconfiguration. For instance, the fasteners 130 may have a similarconfiguration as the rod 120 and may extend through fastener holes 212in the first mounting plate 126 and the second mounting plate 136.Alternatively, a fastener 130 may be configured as a bolt and may extendthrough a single mounting plate to the drivetrain component 50.

The second sleeve 132 may have the same configuration as the firstsleeve 122. Accordingly, the second sleeve 132 may receive the rod 120and may have the same features as the first sleeve 122. The features ofthe second sleeve 132 are referenced with the same reference numbers asthe corresponding feature of the first sleeve 122.

The second bushing 134 may have the same configuration as the firstbushing 124. Accordingly, the second bushing 134 may receive the secondsleeve 132, may be partially received in the tube 76, and may have thesame features as the first bushing 124. The features of the secondsleeve 132 are provided with the same reference numbers as thecorresponding feature of the first sleeve 122. The bushing flange 192 ofthe second bushing 134 may be disposed outside the tube 76 and may beaxially positioned or positioned along the rod axis 150 between thesecond tube end surface 102 and the sleeve flange 172 of the secondbushing 134. Moreover, the bushing flange 192 of the second bushing 134may engage or contact the second tube end surface 102 and the sleeveflange 172 of the second sleeve 132. The sleeve body 170 of the secondsleeve 132 may extend at least partially through the bushing hole 194 ofthe second bushing 134.

The second mounting plate 136 may have the same configuration as thefirst mounting plate 126. Accordingly, the second mounting plate 136 mayhave the same features as the first mounting plate 126. The features ofthe second mounting plate 136 are provided with the same referencenumbers as the corresponding feature of the first mounting plate 126.

The second mounting plate 136 may be axially positioned between thesecond nut 138 and the second sleeve 132. Moreover, the second mountingplate 136 may be axially positioned between the second nut 138 and thesecond spacer 142, if provided.

The second nut 138 may help secure components of the mounting bracketsubassembly 110. The second nut 138 may engage a side of the secondmounting plate 136 that may face away from the tube 76. The second nut138 may have a threaded hole that may receive and mate with the secondthreaded portion 162 of the rod 120. The second bushing 134 may beaxially compressed against the second tube end surface 102 of the tube76 when the second nut 138 is tightened. More specifically, tighteningthe 138 may exert pressure on the second mounting plate 136, the secondspacer 142 if provided, the second sleeve 132, and the second bushing134. This pressure may be resisted by the tube 76, which is fixed to theskid plate module 22.

The first spacer 140, if provided, may receive the rod 120. The firstspacer 140 may be made of a stiffer or less flexible material than thefirst bushing 124, such as a metal alloy or a polymeric material. Inaddition, the first spacer 140 may be axially positioned between thefirst sleeve 122 and the first mounting plate 126 and may extend fromthe first sleeve 122 to the first mounting plate 126. In at least oneconfiguration, the first spacer 140 may include a first spacer endsurface 220, a second spacer end surface 222, and a spacer hole 224.

The first spacer end surface 220 may face toward and may engage thefirst mounting plate 126.

The second spacer end surface 222 may be disposed opposite the firstspacer end surface 220. As such, the second spacer end surface 222 mayface toward and may engage the sleeve flange 172 of the first sleeve122. The first spacer end surface 220 and the second spacer end surface222 may be disposed substantially parallel to each other in one or moreconfigurations.

The spacer hole 224 may extend from the first spacer end surface 220 tothe second spacer end surface 222. The spacer hole 224 may receive therod 120 and the rod 120 may engage the first spacer 140 in the spacerhole 224.

The second spacer 142, if provided, may have the same configuration asthe first spacer 140. Accordingly, the second spacer 142 may have thesame features as the first spacer 140. The features of the second spacer142 are provided with the same reference numbers as the correspondingfeature of the first spacer 140. The second spacer 142 may be axiallypositioned between the second sleeve 132 and the second mounting plate136 and may extend from the second sleeve 132 to the second mountingplate 136. Accordingly, the first spacer end surface 220 of the secondspacer 142 may face toward an may engage the second mounting plate 136while the second spacer end surface 222 may face toward an may engagethe sleeve flange 172 of the second sleeve 132.

The first sleeve 122 and the second sleeve 132 may cooperate to limitaxial compression of the first bushing 124 and the second bushing 134.For instance, the first sleeve 122 and the second sleeve 132 may beactuatable toward each other or actuatable along the rod axis 150 whenthe sleeve end surface 184 of the first sleeve 122 is spaced apart fromand does not engage the sleeve end surface 184 of the second sleeve 132.However, the first sleeve 122 and the second sleeve 132 are notactuatable toward each other when the sleeve end surface 184 of thefirst sleeve 122 contacts the sleeve end surface 184 of the secondsleeve 132. As such, the first sleeve 122 and the second sleeve 132 maycooperate to prevent further axial compression of the first bushing 124and the second bushing 134 when the sleeve end surfaces 184 contact eachother. Thus, overtightening of the first nut 128 and the second nut 138and potential damage to the first bushing 124 and the second bushing 134may be prevented and the first sleeve 122 and the second sleeve 132 maycooperate to limit the axial load force or preload force that may beapplied to the first bushing 124 and the second bushing 134.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, an alternative configuration of a mountingbracket subassembly 110′ as shown. This configuration may besubstantially similar to the mounting bracket subassembly 110 previouslydescribed but may include a modified first mounting plate 126′, amodified second mounting plate 136′, and the addition of a firstextension plate 230′ and a second extension plate 240′.

The first mounting plate 126′ may extend from the rod 120 to the firstextension plate 230′. The first mounting plate 126′ may be axiallypositioned between the first nut 128 and the first sleeve 122 and may beaxially positioned between the first nut 128 and the first spacer 140,if provided. The first mounting plate 126 may include a rod hole 210 aspreviously described and one or more fastener holes 212′. The rod 120may extend through the rod hole 210. A fastener 130′ such as a bolt mayextend through the fastener hole 212′ of the first mounting plate 126′to the first extension plate 230′

The first extension plate 230′ may extend from the first mounting plate126′ and may be operatively connected to the drivetrain component 50.The first extension plate 230′ may include at least one fastener hole232′ that may receive a corresponding fastener 130′ and at least onefastener hole 234′ that may receive a corresponding fastener 130 thatmay couple the first extension plate 230′ to the drivetrain component50.

The second mounting plate 136′ may have the same configuration as thefirst mounting plate 126′. Accordingly, the second mounting plate 136′may have the same features as the first mounting plate 126′. Thefeatures of the second mounting plate 136′ are provided with the samereference numbers as the corresponding feature of the first mountingplate 126′.

The second extension plate 240′ may have the same configuration as thefirst extension plate 230′. Accordingly, the second extension plate 240′may have the same features as the first extension plate 230′. Thefeatures of the second extension plate 240′ are provided with the samereference numbers as the corresponding feature of the first extensionplate 230′.

The mounting bracket subassembly 110′ shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 may beprovided to accommodate situations where the fasteners 130 that arecoupled to the drivetrain component 50 may be inaccessible or difficultto access, such as may occur when the mounting locations for the firstextension plate 230′ and/or the second extension plate 240′ are receivedin a recess or recesses in the drivetrain component 50. For instance,the first extension plate 230′ and the second extension plate 240′ maybe attached to the drivetrain component 50 with corresponding fasteners130 before the first extension plate 230′ and the second extension plate240′ are attached to the first mounting plate 126′ and the secondmounting plate 136′, respectively. Then the first extension plate 230′and the second extension plate 240′ may be attached to the firstmounting plate 126′ and the second mounting plate 136′, respectively,with the fasteners 130′.

It is contemplated that drivetrain components 50 and suspension systemcomponents may be assembled to the skid plate module 22 prior toassembly to the chassis 20. As such, the skid plate module 22 may be amodular subassembly that may help streamline or simplify assembly of thevehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of suspension systems 24 are shown.A suspension system 24 may connect one or more wheel end assemblies 26to the chassis 20 and/or the skid plate module 22. In addition, thesuspension system 24 may dampen vibrations associated with vehicletravel, provide a desired level of ride quality, control vehicle rideheight, or combinations thereof. The suspension system 24 may be anindependent suspension system that may allow wheels to move up and downindependently with respect to each other or without influence fromanother wheel. FIGS. 4-8 show a portion of a suspension system 24 thatis associated with a single wheel; however, is it to be understood thatthe suspension system 24 may be associated with multiple wheels. Forinstance, the components of the suspension system 24 that are shown inFIGS. 4-8 may be provided with a wheel like a right side wheel whenviewed from a position in front of the vehicle. These components mayalso be provided as a mirror image when provided with an opposing wheellike a left side wheel. In at least one configuration, the suspensionsystem 24 may include a knuckle 250, an upper control arm 252, a lowercontrol arm 254, a first air spring 256, a second air spring 258, and ashock absorber 260.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the knuckle 250 may rotatably support the wheelend assembly 26. In addition, the knuckle 250 may interconnect the wheelend assembly 26 to the upper control arm 252 and the lower control arm254. As is best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the knuckle 250 may include aknuckle body 270 and a spindle 272.

The knuckle body 270 may facilitate mounting of various components tothe knuckle 250. In at least one configuration, the knuckle body 270 maybe configured as a unitary one-piece component, although it iscontemplated that the knuckle body 270 could be an assembly of multiplecomponents. The knuckle body 270 may include an upper control arm mount280, a lower control arm mount 282, a first platform 284, a secondplatform 286, a spindle mount 288, and a brake torque plate 290.

The upper control arm mount 280 may be disposed near the top of theknuckle body 270. In addition, the upper control arm mount 280 may belongitudinally positioned between or disposed between the first platform284 and the second platform 286. In at least one configuration, theupper control arm mount 280 may have a first mounting hole 300 and asecond mounting hole 302 that may facilitate mounting of the uppercontrol arm 252. The first mounting hole 300 and the second mountinghole 302 may each receive a fastener, such as a bolt, that may couple apivot mechanism to the upper control arm mount 280. The pivot mechanismmay facilitate rotation of the upper control arm 252 with respect to theknuckle 250 as will be discussed in more detail below.

The lower control arm mount 282 may be disposed near or at the bottom ofthe knuckle body 270. The lower control arm mount 282 may have anysuitable configuration. For instance, the lower control arm mount 282may be configured as an opening or aperture that may extend from a firstside 310 of the knuckle body 270 to a second side 312 of the knucklebody 270. The first side 310 may face toward the front of the vehicle10. The second side 312 may be disposed opposite the first side 310 andmay face toward the rear of the vehicle 10. The lower control arm mount282 may receive a pivot mechanism that may pivotally couple the lowercontrol arm 254 to the knuckle body 270.

The first platform 284 may be disposed near the top of the knuckle body270 and may be configured to support the first air spring 256. The firstplatform 284 may extend in a longitudinal direction that may extend awayfrom the upper control arm mount 280 and toward the front of the vehicle10. In addition, the first platform 284 may extend in a lateraldirection that may extend away from the wheel end assembly 26 and towardthe chassis 20 and the center plane 64. In at least one configuration,the first platform 284 may include a top side 320, a bottom side 322, afirst side 324, a second side 326, and a toe link mount 328.

The top side 320 may face upward toward the first air spring 256. Inaddition, the top side 320 may engage the first air spring 256.

The bottom side 322 may be disposed opposite the top side 320. As such,the bottom side 322 may face away from the first air spring 256. In atleast one configuration, the bottom side 322 may include a recess 330,which is best shown in FIG. 6.

The recess 330 may help provide clearance to the toe link 32 throughoutits range of motion and the range of travel of the knuckle 250. Therecess 330 may extend from the bottom side 322 toward the top side 320.In addition, the recess 330 may extend longitudinally from the secondside 326 in a rearward direction toward the upper control arm mount 280and the second platform 286.

The first side 324 may extend from the top side 320 to the bottom side322. The first side 324 may face toward the wheel end assembly 26.

The second side 326 or portion thereof may extend from the top side 320to the bottom side 322. The second side 326 may face toward the front ofthe vehicle 10 and may face away from the second platform 286.

The toe link mount 328 may extend from the first platform 284. Moreover,the toe link mount 328 may be integrally formed with the first platform284. The toe link mount 328 may extend from the first platform 284 inmultiple directions. For example, the toe link mount 328 may extendvertically such that the toe link mount 328 may extend above the topside 320 and below the bottom side 322 of the first platform 284. Inaddition, the toe link mount 328 may extend from the first side 324 tothe second side 326. As such, the toe link mount 328 may extend awayfrom the second platform 286 and protrude toward the front of thevehicle 10 and may protrude laterally away from the center plane 64.

The toe link mount 328 may have a toe link mounting hole 340. The toelink mounting hole 340 may extend along a toe link mounting hole axis342. As such, the toe link mounting hole 340 may receive the toe link 32and permit the toe link 32 to pivot with respect to the toe linkmounting hole axis 342. The toe link mounting hole axis 342 may bedisposed in a nonparallel and non-perpendicular relationship with thetop side 320, bottom side 322, first side 324, second side 326, orcombinations thereof. The toe link mount 328 may be spaced apart fromother features of the knuckle 250.

The second platform 286 may be disposed near the top of the knuckle body270 and may be configured to support the second air spring 258. Thesecond platform 286 may be spaced apart from the first platform 284.Moreover, the second platform 286 may be disposed on an opposite side ofthe upper control arm mount 280 with respect to the first platform 284.As such, the upper control arm 252 may be positioned between the firstplatform 284 and the second platform 286 and the second platform 286 mayextend in a longitudinal direction that may extend away from the firstplatform 284 and toward the rear of the vehicle 10. In addition, thesecond platform 286 may extend in a lateral direction that may extendaway from the wheel end assembly 26 and toward the chassis 20 and thecenter plane 64. In at least one configuration, the second platform 286may include a top side 350, a bottom side 352, a first side 354, asecond side 356, and a stabilizer bar mount 358.

The top side 350 may face upward toward the second air spring 258. Inaddition, the top side 350 may engage the second air spring 258.

The bottom side 352 may be disposed opposite the top side 350. As such,the bottom side 352 may face away from the second air spring 258.

The first side 354 may extend from the top side 350 to the bottom side352. The first side 354 may face toward the wheel end assembly 26.

The second side 356 may extend from the top side 350 to the bottom side352. The second side 356 may face toward the rear of the vehicle 10 andmay face away from the first platform 284. In addition, the second side356 may extend from an end of the first side 354.

The stabilizer bar mount 358 may extend from the second platform 286.Moreover, the stabilizer bar mount 358 may be integrally formed with thesecond platform 286. The stabilizer bar mount 358 may extend from thefirst platform 284 in a downward vertical direction such that thestabilizer bar mount 358 extends from the bottom side 352 in a directionthat extends away from the second air spring 258 and the top side 350.In addition, the stabilizer bar mount 358 may extend from the first side354 and the second side 356 and may have sides or surfaces that may bealigned with or may be coplanar with the first side 354 and the secondside 356. As such, the stabilizer bar mount 358 may generally bepositioned at a rear outboard corner of the second platform 286. Thestabilizer bar mount 358 may be spaced apart from other features of theknuckle 250.

The stabilizer bar mount 358 may have a stabilizer bar mount hole 360that may receive the stabilizer bar subassembly 30. The stabilizer barmount hole 360 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the centerplane 64.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the spindle mount 288 may be positionedbelow the upper control arm mount 280 and above the lower control armmount 282. The spindle mount 288 may facilitate mounting of the spindle272. For example, the spindle mount 288 may have a hollow tubularconfiguration that may be centered about a spindle mount axis 370 andmay protrude from the knuckle body 270 toward the wheel end assembly 26.The spindle mount axis 370 may also an axis of rotation of a wheel. Asis best shown in FIG. 7, the spindle mount 288 and the spindle mountaxis 370 may be longitudinally offset from the center of the uppercontrol arm mount 280, the lower control arm mount 282, and the braketorque plate 290. For example, the spindle mount axis 370 may bedisposed further rearward than a center plane 372 of the upper controlarm mount 280, a center plane 374 of the lower control arm mount 282,and the brake torque plate 290. The center plane 372 of the uppercontrol arm mount 280 may be disposed perpendicular to the center plane64 of the skid plate module 22 and may be positioned at the longitudinalcenter of the upper control arm mount 280. The center plane 374 of thelower control arm mount 282 may be disposed perpendicular to the centerplane 64 and may be positioned at the longitudinal center of the lowercontrol arm mount 282.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8, the brake torque plate 290 mayfacilitate mounting of the brake subsystem 28. In addition, the braketorque plate 290 may facilitate mounting of an antilock brake sensor380. In at least one configuration, the brake torque plate 290 mayextend from the spindle mount 288 and may include an upper portion 390,a lower portion 392, a front side 394, and a rear side 396.

The upper portion 390 may extend from the spindle mount 288 toward theupper control arm mount 280. The antilock brake sensor 380 may bemounted to the upper portion 390.

The lower portion 392 may be disposed opposite the upper portion 390 oron an opposite side of the spindle mount 288 from the upper portion 390.As such, the lower portion 392 may extend from the spindle mount 288toward the lower control arm mount 282. The lower portion 392 may bealigned with the upper portion 390. As is best shown in FIG. 8, thelower portion 392 may be aligned with and may partially define thesecond side 312 of the lower control arm mount 282.

Referring to FIG. 8, the upper portion 390 and the lower portion 392 mayinclude one or more brake mounting holes 400. The brake mounting holes400 may receive fasteners 402, such as bolts, that may facilitatemounting of the brake subsystem 28 to the brake torque plate 290. Forexample, the brake subsystem 28 may be disposed on and may engage thefront side 394 of the upper portion 390 in the lower portion 392. Thefront side 394 may face toward the front of the vehicle 10 or toward thefirst platform 284. The rear side 396 may be disposed opposite the frontside 394 and may face toward the rear of the vehicle 10 or toward thesecond platform 286.

Referring to FIG. 7, the upper portion 390 and the lower portion 392 maybe aligned with each other and may be disposed in a common plane. Forexample, the upper portion 390 and the lower portion 392 may be disposedin a brake torque plate plane 410 or may be centered with respect to abrake torque plate plane 410. The brake torque plate plane 410 may bedisposed substantially perpendicular to the center plane 64. As such,the brake torque plate plane 410 may extend in a lateral vehicledirection. The brake torque plate plane 410 may be longitudinallypositioned between the first mounting hole 300 and the second mountinghole 302 of the upper control arm mount 280 such that the brake torqueplate plane 410 may be disposed closer to the first mounting hole 300than the second mounting hole 302. In addition, the brake torque plateplane 410 may be disposed parallel to and may be positioned between thecenter plane 372 of the upper control arm mount 280 and the center plane374 of the lower control arm mount 282.

In addition, the spindle mount axis 370 may be disposed parallel to thebrake torque plate plane 410. The spindle mount axis 370 may be offsetfrom the brake torque plate plane 410 such that the spindle mount axis370 may be disposed further rearward than the center plane 372 of theupper control arm mount 280, the center plane 374 of the lower controlarm mount 282 and the brake torque plate plane 410. As such, the spindlemount axis 370 may not intersect the brake torque plate plane 410.

Referring to FIG. 8, the spindle 272 may extend from the spindle mount288. For example, the spindle 272 may be received in the spindle mount288 and may be fixedly attached to the spindle mount 288 in any suitablemanner, such as with an interference fit, welding, or with one or morefasteners. It is also contemplated that the spindle 272 may beintegrally formed with the knuckle body 270 such that the spindle 272and the knuckle body 270 are not separate components. The spindle 272may rotatably support the wheel end assembly 26. For example, thespindle 272 may support one or more wheel bearings that rotatablysupport a hub as will be discussed in more detail below. The spindle 272may extend along or around the spindle mount axis 370. In addition, thespindle 272 may be disposed between the upper portion 390 and the lowerportion 392 of the spindle mount 288 in one or more configurations.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the upper control arm 252 may extend from alateral side of the chassis 20 toward the knuckle 250. The upper controlarm 252 may be pivotally or rotatably mounted to the chassis 20 and theknuckle 250 in a manner that allows the knuckle 250 and a correspondingwheel end assembly 26 to move up and down while inhibiting forward andbackward movement. As is best shown with reference to FIG. 5, the uppercontrol arm 252 may have a Y-shaped configuration and may include afirst mounting arm 420, a second mounting arm 422, and a center arm 424.

The first mounting arm 420 and the second mounting arm 422 may bepivotally coupled or rotatably coupled to the chassis 20. For instance,the first mounting arm 420 and the second mounting arm 422 may rotateabout a common axis. In at least one configuration, the first mountingarm 420 and the second mounting arm 422 may each have an aperture thatmay be disposed proximate a distal end. Each aperture may receive apivot mechanism 426 that may pivotally couple the mounting arm to thechassis 20. The pivot mechanism 426 may have any suitable configuration.For example, the pivot mechanism 426 may include a pivot pin that mayextend through the aperture. The pivot pin may be fixedly coupled to thechassis 20 in any suitable manner, such as with one or more fastenerslike bolts.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the center arm 424 may be disposed betweenthe first mounting arm 420 and the second mounting arm 422. The centerarm 424 may be pivotally coupled or rotatably coupled to the knuckle250. For instance, the center arm 424 may rotate about an upper controlarm mount axis 430 that may be disposed perpendicular to the braketorque plate plane 410. In at least one configuration, the center arm424 may include an aperture that may receive a pivot mechanism 432 thatmay pivotally couple the center arm 424 to the knuckle 250. For example,the pivot mechanism 432 may include a pivot pin that may extend throughthe aperture. The pivot pin may be fixedly coupled to the knuckle 250 inany suitable manner, such as with one or more fasteners like bolts. Aportion of the center arm 424 may be longitudinally positioned betweenthe first air spring 256 and the second air spring 258.

Referring to FIG. 6, the lower control arm 254 may be disposed below theupper control arm 252. The lower control arm 254 may extend from alateral side of the skid plate module 22 toward the knuckle 250. Thelower control arm 254 may be pivotally or rotatably mounted to the skidplate module 22 and the knuckle 250 in a manner that allows the knuckle250 and a corresponding wheel end assembly 26 to move up and down whileinhibiting forward and backward movement. The lower control arm 254 mayhave a different configuration than the upper control arm 252.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, a lower control arm 254 may pivotallymounted to one or more pillars 42 with corresponding pivot mechanisms.For instance, one pivot mechanism 432 may pivotally connect a lowercontrol arm 254 to the mounting sleeves 72 of one pillar 42 whileanother pivot mechanism 432 may pivotally connect a lower control arm254 to the mounting sleeves 72 of another pillar 42. A lower control arm254 may be pivotally mounted to the first pillar and the second pillaralong a lower control arm pivot axis 440 while another lower control arm254 may be pivotally mounted to the second pillar and the third pillaralong the same axis. The lower control arm pivot axis 440 may bepositioned closer to the skid plate 40 than the tubes 76. The lowercontrol arm 254 may also be pivotally mounted to the knuckle 250 along alower control arm mount axis 442 that may be disposed perpendicular tothe brake torque plate plane 410.

An upper control arm 252 and a lower control arm 254 may be associatedwith each wheel end assembly 26. As such, upper control arms 252 andlower control arms 254 may extend from opposite sides of the chassis 20in the skid plate module 22 to support different wheel end assemblies26.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the first air spring 256 and the second airspring 258 may help dampen vibrations, provide a desired level of ridequality, and control ride height or the distance between the chassis andthe road or support surface upon which a tire of the vehicle 10 isdisposed.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the first air spring 256 may be fixedly disposedon the first platform 284. For example, the first air spring 256 mayextend from the first platform 284 to the chassis 20. The first airspring 256 may have any suitable configuration. For instance, the firstair spring 256 may have a flexible bellows and a piston. The flexiblebellows may at least partially define a chamber within the first airspring 256 that may receive the piston and pressurized gas that may beprovided by a pressurized gas supply system. Pressurized gas may beprovided to the chamber or may be vented from the chamber to adjust theride height and dampening characteristics of the suspension system. Anupper mounting plate may be provided at the top of the flexible bellowsto facilitate mounting of the flexible bellows to the chassis 20. Thepiston may be at least partially received in the flexible bellows andmay extend from the first platform 284 toward the upper mounting plate.For example, the piston may be fixedly disposed on the first platform284, such as with one or more fasteners, and may be generally disposednear the center of the flexible bellows.

The second air spring 258 may have a similar configuration or the sameconfiguration as the first air spring 256. The second air spring 258 maybe fixedly disposed on the second platform 286. For example, second airspring 258 may extend from the second platform 286 to the chassis 20. Assuch, the first air spring 256 and the second air spring 258 may bedisposed on opposite sides of the upper control arm 252.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the shock absorber 260, which may also bereferred to as a strut, may extend from the chassis 20 to the knuckle250. For example, the shock absorber 260 may be pivotally mounted to thechassis 20 at a first end and may be pivotally mounted to the lowercontrol arm 254 at a second end.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the wheel end assembly 26 may facilitaterotation a wheel that may support a tire. The wheel end assembly 26 maybe part of a drive axle or a non-drive axle. A drive axle may receivetorque from a power source, such as an engine or motor as previouslydiscussed. In a drive axle configuration, a shaft 450, which is bestshown in FIG. 8, such as an axle shaft or half shaft, may transmittorque to the wheel end assembly 26 to rotate a wheel that may bemounted on the wheel end assembly 26. For instance, the shaft 450 may beoperatively connected at a first end to a drivetrain component 50 andmay extend through the spindle 272 and be coupled to the wheel endassembly 26 at a second end. The shaft may be omitted in a non-driveaxle configuration. In at least one configuration, the wheel endassembly 26 may include a hub 460.

The hub 460 may be rotatably disposed on the spindle 272. For example,one or more wheel bearings may be disposed on the spindle 272 and mayrotatably support the hub 460. The hub 460 may facilitate mounting ofthe wheel, such as with a plurality of mounting studs 462. As such, thehub 460 and the wheel may rotate together about the spindle mount axis370. A tire may be disposed on the wheel that may engage a road orsupport surface.

The brake subsystem 28 may facilitate braking of the wheel to slowrotation of the hub 460 and an associated wheel about the spindle mountaxis 370. The brake subsystem 28 may have any suitable configuration.For instance, the brake subsystem 28 may be configured as a frictionbrake, such as a disc brake or a drum brake. In the figures, the brakesubsystem 28 is depicted as a disc brake. In such a configuration, abrake friction member 470 configured as a brake rotor may be fixedlycoupled to the hub 460 and may rotate with the hub 460. One or morebrake pads may be actuated into engagement with the brake frictionmember 470 to slow rotation of the hub 460 and the wheel about thespindle mount axis 370.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the stabilizer bar subassembly 30 may helpreduce body roll or side-to-side rolling of the vehicle 10, such as mayoccur during cornering. The stabilizer bar subassembly 30 mayoperatively connect opposing knuckles 250 of the vehicle 10. Forexample, the stabilizer bar subassembly 30 may be coupled to stabilizerbar mount 358 of the second platform 286. As is best shown withreference to FIGS. 3 and 5-8, the stabilizer bar subassembly 30 mayinclude a pair of drop links 480, a pair of intermediate links 482, anda stabilizer bar 484. One drop link 480 may extend from the stabilizerbar mount 358 to a first end of an intermediate link 482. A second endof the intermediate link 482 may be coupled to a first end of thestabilizer bar 484. A mirror image arrangement of the drop link 480 andintermediate link 482 may be provided with an opposing knuckle 250. Forinstance, another drop link 480 may extend from the stabilizer bar mount358 of a second platform 286 that is provided with an opposing knuckle250 to a first end of another intermediate link 482, which in turn mayextend to a second end of the stabilizer bar 484 that may be disposedopposite the first end. The drop links 480 may extend in a downwarddirection that may extend toward the lower control arm 254. Theintermediate links 482 may extend in a rearward direction.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a skid plate module thatincludes: a skid plate; and first and second pillars that extend fromthe skid plate and are adapted to be mounted to a chassis, wherein thefirst and second pillars are disposed along a center plane of the skidplate; and first and second lower control arms that are mounted to thefirst and second pillars, respectively.
 2. The assembly of claim 1wherein the skid plate has a first end and a second end disposedopposite the first end and the first pillar is disposed at the firstend.
 3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the second pillar is disposedbetween the first end and the second end.
 4. The assembly of claim 1wherein the first pillar has a pair of mounting sleeves that extendthrough the first pillar and the first and second lower control arms aremounted to the pair of mounting sleeves.
 5. The assembly of claim 4wherein the center plane intersects the pair of mounting sleeves.
 6. Theassembly of claim 1 wherein the first pillar has a first recess thatpartially receives the first lower control arm.
 7. The assembly of claim6 wherein the first recess extends through the first pillar andpartially receives the first and second lower control arms.
 8. Theassembly of claim 1 wherein the first pillar has a first tube thatreceives a first mounting bracket subassembly that mounts a drivetraincomponent to the skid plate module.
 9. The assembly of claim 8 whereinthe first lower control arm is pivotally mounted to the first pillar andthe second pillar along a lower control arm pivot axis and the lowercontrol arm pivot axis is positioned closer to the skid plate than thefirst tube.
 10. An assembly comprising: a skid plate module thatincludes: a skid plate; first and second pillars that extend from theskid plate and are adapted to be mounted to a chassis, wherein the firstand second pillars are disposed along a center plane of the skid plate;and first and second mounting bracket subassemblies that are mounted tothe first and second pillars, respectively, for mounting a drivetraincomponent.
 11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the first pillar has afirst tube that extends at least partially through the first pillar andat least partially receives the first mounting bracket subassembly. 12.The assembly of claim 11 wherein the first mounting bracket subassemblyincludes a rod that is disposed in the first tube, a first sleeve thatreceives the rod, a first bushing that receives the first sleeve and isreceived in the first tube, and a first mounting plate that extends fromthe rod and is operatively connected to the drivetrain component. 13.The assembly of claim 12 wherein the rod extends completely through thefirst tube.
 14. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the first bushing has afirst bushing flange that extends away from the rod and is disposedoutside of the first tube such that the first bushing flange engages afirst tube end surface of the first tube.
 15. The assembly of claim 14wherein the first sleeve has a first sleeve flange that extends awayfrom the rod and is disposed outside the first tube such that the firstsleeve flange engages the first bushing flange and the first bushingflange is axially positioned between the first tube and the first sleeveflange.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the first mounting bracketsubassembly has a first spacer that receives the rod and extends fromthe first sleeve to the first mounting plate.
 17. The assembly of claim16 wherein the first mounting bracket subassembly has a first nut thatreceives the rod and the first bushing is axially compressed against thefirst tube end surface of the first tube when the first nut istightened.
 18. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the first mountingbracket subassembly has a second sleeve that receives the rod, a secondbushing that receives the second sleeve and is received in the firsttube, a second mounting plate that extends from the rod and isoperatively connected to the drivetrain component, and a second nut thatreceives the rod, wherein the second bushing is axially compressedagainst a second tube end surface of the first tube when the second nutis tightened.
 19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein an end of the firstsleeve engages an end of the second sleeve to limit axial compression ofthe first bushing and the second bushing.
 20. The assembly of claim 19wherein the at least one of the first and second mounting bracketsubassemblies further comprises an extension plate that is fixedlydisposed on the first mounting plate and extends from the first mountingplate to the drivetrain component.